Eschatology

Christian eschatology is the branch of Christian theology dealing with the ‘last things’, both in relation to the individual and to the world. The term derives from two greek words: eschatos (last) and logos (word).

The New Testament writers were conscious that they were already living in the last days and the era of inaugurated fulfilment. (cf. Acts 2:16-17; Gal. 4:4; 1 Cor. 10:11; Heb. 9:26). At the same time they were looking forward to the time of full restoration of all things yet to come (cf. Acts 3:21).

Theologians therefore distinguish between an inaugurated eschatology and a future eschatology, or, in other terms, between a realized and an unrealized eschatology. This eschatological tension which runs throughout the entire Bible is also dubbed the “already and not-yet”.

Jesus clearly distinguished two ages: the present age and the age to come (cf. Matt. 12:32, Luke 20:34-36)

This raises the question about the relationship of this world and the world to come. Is there absolute discontinuity, i.e. is the new heavens and new earth something entirely new  or is there some continuity necessary? And if so, to what degree will the new (renewed) world be in continuity to the current one?

Typically eschatology is relegated to the last chapter in a systematic theology. That is not entirely improper, but might somehow veil the fact that the last days have already began.

Ultimately, eschatology is about how all things are being reclaimed by Jesus Christ (2 Cor 1:20). Eschatology matters because how we view the last things will determine how we see and live our lives right here and now, as well as in eternity.